Sorting Ceremony 2025 - 2026

Azalea walked into the hall with the other first-year students, looking around the Great Hall in awe. It was just as it was described in Hogwarts: A History, but seeing it in real life entranced her even more. The floating candles, the ghosts drifting above, the long house tables, the teachers' table, and finally the four giant hourglasses against the wall, that glittered with red, green, yellow, and blue gems.

As a muggle-born, she had almost no knowledge about the magic world, but she was eager to explore it and her abilities. Reading the books assigned to the first-years was her only way to gain insight and get a head start on what they would be learning during the school year. Although she was looking forward to the classes, she was even more eager to see the Sorting Hat. Having read about its mind-reading abilities, she was interested in hearing its thoughts about her.

As she was led into the hall, she looked at all the students sitting at the tables. Which table would she be sitting at? Would she make friends in her house? Trying to push the nervous thoughts to the back of her mind, she looked up and finally saw the Sorting Hat. It was an old, wrinkly brown leather hat that seemed at least a few decades old.

As the headmaster called out the names, her thoughts began running wild. What if the hat says I don't fit in any house? What will they even do if I don't? Will I get sent home? She would've thought of even more worst-case scenarios, but before she could, a voice said calmly,

"Evans, Azalea."

She went ahead and took her seat in the little wooden chair, with her head down, too nervous to look at all the students who were probably looking straight at her. She hated being the center of attention, and it looked like the hat seemed to sense this, as it started talking.

I see...courage, and a desire to prove yourself. Hmm, interesting. You want accomplishment but not spotlight. Perhaps Slytherin?

Azalea was a little shocked at how well the hat seemed to read her thoughts, and she wondered how the hat must be doing this. What sort of magic was it enchanted with?

No, that won't do. I see determination and hunger for knowledge. Yes, this seems to be stronger than any trait you have. Yes, I know now. Better be....

Azalea was a little worried. It had been a while since she'd sat, and the hat was taking longer than it had for any of the other students. Her fear creeped in again, but before she could say something, a loud, booming voice was heard.

The splashes of water coming over the front of the small boat gliding across the lake were cold. Cold, but not nearly as cold as the arctic waves Aliyah would dive into back home in Ireland.

Dark spires lanced into the skies, small glowing lights scattered over them. Her boat pulling up to the sandy lakeshore, Aliyah leaped out and fell in line with the other first-years. A gust of warm air hit her as the massive oak doors opened and she walked into the torchlight.

Four great tables were placed in the magnificent hall, candles floating above. Aliyah mentally ran through the spells she had practiced and looked up in surprise at… was that a hat?! On a stool? Talking? Yes, that most definitely was a talking hat on a stool. One by one, the other students walked up to the old looking talking hat and the hat would shout its decision before the student would walk to their designated table. Aliyah’s breath started coming a little faster as she realized the hats judgement would define the next seven years of her life, and possibly more than that.

A voice shouted her name and Aliyah walked up to the hat, which was then placed on her head.

Hmm… much in here…

The hat… was reading her mind? What was this school?! Her whole family had gone to different schools all throughout Europe, but none to Hogwarts before.

A thirst for wisdom and knowledge…a trunk full of books…already read… what’s this? ALL of the textbooks? Only one place for you, girl.

Aliyah shuddered with relief as the hat shouted to all

RAVENCLAW!

Gwen crowded into the Great Hall with the other first years, a mix of apprehension and excitement filling her and making her index finger twitch, tap tap tap, against her thigh. She wondered which house she would get sorted into. This whole magic thing was still so new to her, but like most things in her life, she decided to embrace it wholeheartedly and make the best of wherever she ended up. Gwen had heard some of the other students on the train talking and speculating about which houses they'd be sorted into. Some of them were drawn to the notoriety of Gryffindor - where many of Hogwarts' most courageous students had spent their time. It made Gwen think of all of the imagined adventures her and her best friend Evie had gone on throughout their childhood...except this time the stories were real. One girl in the compartment across from Gwen's had raved on and on about the skills her Slytherin siblings had honed at Hogwarts - skills so sought after that the siblings had been recruited directly into the Ministry of Magic right after graduation. Gwen was still trying to grasp the scope of the wizarding world, but everything she had heard about the Ministry of Magic so far had been absolutely fascinating. She made a mental note to learn more about all of their different departments and to better understand what they each did as soon as she had some free time to spend in the library. The quiet second-year with his head in a book, who had barely glanced at Gwen when she entered the train compartment, had been wearing a Ravenclaw scarf. Upon closer inspection, Gwen saw he had been reading a hefty textbook titled Understanding the Physics of Nature & Magic. It reminded her of the secondary school textbooks she had stolen from her older brothers and read for fun over the summer. And then there had been the older girl with the calloused hands who had shared her snacks with Gwen after the sandwiches her mom had packed were long gone. The girl had told Gwen about her hopes of becoming a magical creature caretaker after Hogwarts; she was in her last year in Hufflepuff and like Gwen, she loved being outside in nature.

Reflecting on everything she had heard about the different houses, Gwen felt like she could be at home in any of them. They all seemed to speak to different parts of her personality and her soul. She didn't have to ponder for too much longer. Gwen was snapped out of her thoughts when the booming voice from the suit of armor - er, the headmaster - at the front of the Great Hall announced,

"Baird, Gwendolyn!"

Gwen's tapping finger instantly stilled and she took a moment to take a deep breath and compose herself, straightening slightly as she did so. She pushed through the throng of first years and ignored the curious looks from the tables she walked past. She was pleased to note that her legs didn't wobble one bit as she climbed the steps onto the platform at the front of the hall and took her seat on the little wooden stool. She sat as still as she could while Headmaster Lear placed the worn, floppy hat on her head. Gwen felt a sort of warmth spread from her scalp all the way to her toes when the hat was set on her head. It covered her eyes but she could still sense something there.

"Hmmm, Gwendolyn Baird. Yes, I know you. You are kind and wise. You care for others and the world around you. But that sharp tongue can get you into trouble at times, can it not? You have dreams of grandeur but a humble spirit. It is no question, Hufflepuff it is!"

Gwen let out a breath she hadn't known she was holding and stood up quickly when the headmaster removed the hat from her head. She hurried off the platform and made her way over to the table of grinning and cheering students seated under the yellow and black banner adorned with a badger. She squeezed onto one of the long wooden benches between two older students. One of them clapped her on the back while the other enthusiastically cheered,

"Welcome to Hufflepuff!"

Gwen grinned and turned to face the platform where another first year had already sat down to be sorted. As the crowd of first years to be sorted slowly thinned, Gwen turned her attention to the empty plates in front of her on the table. Surely they would be able to eat soon? It must have been at least a few hours since her sandwiches and shared snacks on the train...

What an exciting new experience ! Astal was finally going to follow her family's footsteps and study at Hogwarts. During all this years, waiting for it to finally be her turn, after seeing her brother, cousins, and all other family members go to Hogwarts, the school of magic with the best reputation in the whole world, it was finally her time to shine, her time to show that she wouldn't be a deception anymore, her time to make her parents proud.

The train ride to her new school was quite fast, even though she was alone in her cabine, time passed by really fast because of her excitation and stress. When the train arrived, Astal had stopped moving for a bit in front of the magnificent castle that would become her home for the next seven years. After disembarking, the small walk towards the castle was stressful, Astal didn't know in what house she would get sorted in, she wished with all her might to be sorted in either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw.

Astal entered the Great Hall along with her new comrades, some of them seemed quite nice and easily approachable. She felt her heart starting to beat faster and faster, this was the moment she waited for all this years. All the new students stood in front of the teachers' table and the hat. After a bit of talking by Headmaster Lear, the sorting finally started, one by one the students were called up. Aral's apprehension grew slowly, she was among the last to be called because her last name started with a T. Finally her turn came.

- Tarovus, Astal Rosalya !

Astal walked up to the stool sat down and the hat was set on her head. She faintly heard the hat on her head muttering and then she jolted when she heard the hat say out loud in a loud and powerful voice her new house.

- Gryffindor it is !

The hat was removed and Astal walked towards her house, Gryffindor, her new family, a family that wouldn't pull her down under any circumstances. She was finally sorted and will start learning magic in the following weeks. But now is not the time to think about that, eating was the priority, when she sat down, Astal saw that. all the plates were empty, hopefully they won't have to wait long before seing the food appear...

Denise marveled at the large Great Hall. Seeing the beautiful chandeliers floating in the air, the twinkling night sky, and a man, with a full-clad armor and beard, siting in the high up table. There were four tables, Denise assumed must be for each house as she recognized the decorated colors for each table. She stared and sighed, more nervous on during sorting if they told her that she is in fact a muggle and not a witch. She twitched nervously, hovering near Laasya, her new friend she made at the Hogwarts Express, as the group of first years formed a line in front of everyone, as the older kids sat on the four tables staring. Denise felt uncomfortable, and to her surprise saw an… old and battered hat. As the headmaster explained that hat will… sort them to their respective houses. Denise was confused but realized that if magic exists, well talking hats must too and the hat surprised even more by singing.

Denise watched as the large crowd was sorted, nervous and scared. It doesn’t help that it was in alphabetical order and her last name started with a “Y,” keeping her more nervous and in emotional agony of anticipation and nervousness, building up inside her increasingly as she watched with her eyes nervously on each student getting sorted. Finally, it reached Laasya and Laasya was a Gryffindor. She waved to Laasya as Laasya walked over the Gryffindor table. Finally, after a few students left, it was Denise’s turn. Denise trembled as all eyes were on her, watching her in her important moment and she personally would rather stay private.

She adjusted the hat on her head, which still covered up her eyes since it was a bit large for her head. “Hmm…,” said the hat. “You are quite difficult to decide. You have the courage to go stand up against others. You have ambition and intelligence, based on your passion to learn. But I see kindness and warmth, which you emulate the most.”

The hat continued, “You are kind, as when you go out to volunteer to help the sick and needy. I see kindness as an important trait that defines you a lot. You want to heal others, especially your grandmother, and I see how you want to spread that, very rare to see this purity among the wizarding world. Therefore, I choose… Hufflepuff!”

Denise sighed, happy that the hat didn’t tell her to go away, to go back home because she is a mistake. She ran to the Hufflepuff table, excited and happy as everyone cheered for her sorting. She sat in the corner, since the table was almost full since she was the last few in her year to be sorted, nervous and terrified even for what it is to come in her adventure at Hogwarts.

Things were not going according to plan. Ada, like everyone, only got one Hogwarts experience, and it seemed the universe was plotting against her success.

Hufflepuff? she thought incredulously, a storm cloud forming--figuratively this time-- over her scowling face as she slumped off the dais and plodded over to her now-fellow badgers. A magical stitch of her new house fixed itself upon the breast of her robes, searing her eyes with its golden brightness.

Surely, one of her older brothers was playing a trick on her. Hufflepuff was nice and all, probably the best place to end up as a first year, actually, she knew. But it wasn't the right place for her to end up. Her whole family was convinced she was born in blue robes. Ada was organized, bossy, and an unabashed tattle-tale. How could she possibly belong in the loosey-goosey house of Hufflepuff?

First, her weird, stubby wand--now this. She slumped into the first available seat she noticed open on the long benches alongside her new breakfast, lunch, and dinner table for the next seven years. For now, all she could do was force an uncomfortable, tight-lipped smile as her house celebrated her arrival. Later...maybe she could talk to the head of the house, once she figured out who that was.

Artemia was sure that walking through Hogwarts' halls for the first time would be the most memorable and the most frightening experiences of her life. The hall was a rich tapestry of life with students and staff alike dwarfed by the grandiose Great Hall. Her eyes hardly knew where to settle as there was so much to take in, but she didn’t want to be caught gawking. Parading forth with the other first years she attempted to make herself blend in as best she could.

When the hat began to talk, it took a great deal of self-control for her not to jump in alarm. However, that fear was soon replaced with curiosity as she thought about how much knowledge an artifact from the time of Godric Gryffindor must hold. She was sure the hat would give away nothing especially not to a first-year student.

Artemia took in the headmaster’s words thoughtfully. Where would her second family be found? She considered each of the houses individually. Gryffindor was for the brave and bold, Ravenclaw for the witty and clever, Hufflepuff for the loyal and hardworking, Slytherin for the ambitious and cunning. Who did she think she was as a person?

Her musing was interrupted by the call of her name and shyly she strode forward. The hat considered her for a few moments while she tried not to squirm.

‘Not a fan of the spotlight, eh Ms. Hare?’ She shook her head, then blushed as she realized the hat couldn’t see her reply. ‘No, I prefer to keep to myself.’ She thought instead.

‘I see… and yet, you’re also not content to stay silent when you get one of those clever plans fully crafted.’

‘How do you- oh, right, you must be able to see everything in my head. That must get rather exhausting to do for each student, no wonder you get a whole year off.’

The hat chuckled. ‘As a magical artifact, I’m fortunate enough to not suffer from fatigue.’
Time passed between the pair and though it was merely seconds, Artemia couldn’t help but want the whole ordeal to be over.

‘You have a clever mind and a great thirst for knowledge. Ravenclaw would see you surrounded by like minds, but I fear you’ll find the tower more a barrier than a catapult to those lofty heights you wish to achieve. Better be….’ “SLYTHERIN!”

Once the hat was removed, Artemia headed for the table, lost in thought about what the hat saw in her that made the house of snakes a better home than the rest.

Severanche had been prepared for this moment - at least, as much as her parents could prepare her. They had spoken, gently but thoroughly, of Hogwarts, of the vast castle, the Great Hall, of the Sorting Ceremony and the old, enchanted hat that would decide her place. They had explained it all carefully, step by step, knowing their cautious, thoughtful daughter needed to understand before she could face something new. Still, no preparation could truly capture the sensation of walking into the Great Hall herself.

The enchanted ceiling shimmered faintly above, and the long tables were already filled with older students, their voices blending into a low, restless murmur. Severanche felt small among the other first-years, though she tried hard to keep her head high as she moved forward with them. When the chatter dimmed and an excited silence settled over the hall, she felt her heartbeat quicken, loud in her own ears.

She listened carefully to the Sorting Hat’s song, committing its words to memory almost instinctively, a small, timid smile touching her lips. When names were called one by one, she waited, hands clasped together, anxiety and curiosity winding tightly in her chest. She had never felt particularly drawn to any one house. Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff seemed sensible, fitting choices—quiet places, she imagined, where listening and observing were valued.

When her name finally echoed through the hall, Severanche took a steadying breath and stepped forward, scrambling onto the stool with more haste than grace. Her fingers curled into the fabric of her robes as the hat slipped over her eyes.

Hmm, a voice murmured inside her head, and she jumped a little, despite knowing that the hat would talk to her. Careful, thoughtful... Tell me, child - what do you fear most?

She hesitated a moment, considering the question, then answered softly, her lips barely moving, Failing. Hurting someone because I wasn't careful enough.

The hat hummed, as if weighing her words. And when something frightens you, what do you do? Do you flee?

Again, she thought the questions through for a moment. No, she answered carefully. I watch. I try to understand first.

Another pause, longer this time. And if someone else were in danger - stronger than you, louder than you - what then? What would you do then?

Severanche's shoulders sagged forward slightly, and her answer came slow. Watching. Seeing what they'd do. Learning. And... helping if they can't help it.

There was a quiet chuckle in her mind, dry and old. Ah, so you think bravery must roar to be heard? You forget, child, that courage can be patient.

The silence that followed was brief, before the hat's voice sounded into the Great Hall. "Gryffindor!"

Polite applause erupted, but Severanche only frowned faintly, tilting her head as if she could somehow peer up at the hat still resting there. Gryffindor? The brave ones? The bold and fearless? She, who flinched at sudden noises, who preferred listening to speaking and clung to her father’s hand through Diagon Alley, was meant to belong among them?

When the hat was lifted away, she slid down from the stool, cheeks flushed, thoughts racing. As she made her way toward the Gryffindor table, she wondered—not without a trace of anxious resolve—how someone like her could possibly live up to that name.

What an exciting day! New impressions, new people and most of all new experiences. He had ridden a train for the first time and that was exiting enough in itself. The sweets that were passed around all smelled delicious, and the people were nice. Good laughs were had and conversations flowed. Sadly it resulted in a rather overstimulated boy.

Walking into what was called the Great hall, Max found himself towards the back of the big group. Eyes darting around, almost tripping over his own feet trying to look at everything and everyone. It was probably a good thing he was in the back. If he tripped and fell on his face there were at least a few people that wouldn’t see it. His cheeks heated just from the thought. So he took a moment to close his eyes, take a few deep breaths and gather himself.

The headmaster and the hat makes a joke that would normally make him laugh, but his attention is turned towards the ceiling and the grandness of it all. But when the hat starts to sing he narrows his attention. This was the part he was supposed to pay attention to, right? His parents had of course explained about the four houses and what each of them stood for. Max had no doubt where he would fit in. He was loyal and hard working, kind and really almost all the traits of house Hufflepuff. His mother had been in that house. Yes, it would be great. He wasn’t very patient, but how rigid could this system really be? No one could inhibit all traits, right?

Before he knew it his mind had wandered, with the hat and its speech long forgotten. By the time they had arrived it was too dark to see much outside, but the grounds seemed massive. He couldn’t wait to explore all of it. Inside the castle too of course. Oh, and classes!

He suddenly became aware of the silence around him. Looking around the room himself like many others seemed to be doing. Seemed like someone didn’t hear their name being called. What a dork. He stood there hiding a grin at this other persons expense in what felt like minutes. It was probably closer to five seconds before a sigh was heard from the front and the name was read once more. It took a moment to register, but as soon as it did his cheeks heated to the shade of a ripe tomato. Oh shoot. That was his name, he was the dork.

No time for being subtle he pushed his way to the front, stumbling a bit on the way but thankfully not falling. The hat is put on his head, by himself or by another he is not sure. It all becomes a blur. The hat says something. The only thing he can focus on is the thought of how badly he wishes to be placed in Hufflepuff. The hat is silent for a moment before it yells out

«GRYFFINDOR!»

What? No, that wasn’t right. This was not supposed to happen. The spiraling starts before he is even aware of it, but he wills it down. It has been a long day, and this can surely be fixed later, or even tomorrow. He speedily finds his was to the applauding table, trying not to make a fool out of himself as the scent of food hits his nose for the first time since entering the room. No food on the tables yet, and the smell seems to come from below. It causes him to loose focus for long enough for him to trip and fall on his face. He mutters a few curse words under his breath as he bounces back on his feet. Feeling his face getting even hotter he keeps his head down and finds his seat. What a great start.

mentions| @Cosima Aurebach-Iori ooc notes| finally finished this rp eek date| 01st Sept 2025

1731|word count basic black robes, pleated grey skirt, white button down, black tights, mary janes |outfit

The journey up to Scotland endured exactly as Valour had expected. The eight hours dripped on like molasses as the young witch searched desperately for some form of entertainment. They peered into compartments in each carriage, eavesdropping and noting any interesting characters they happened upon along the way. They occupied themself with textbooks, annotating every margin with experimental ideas and anecdotes. At some points, they even put their theory into practice on a few innocent passers-by. All in all, the most interesting thing about the journey had been the snack cart, which she ran into perhaps three or four times across the whole trip, each time purchasing a packet of Pepper Imps. Sure, they chatted amicably with a few notable characters; a very pretty second-year whom they were certain must be part Veela, a shy, rather suspicious redhead, and an almost insufferably cheerful girl who seemed destined for Gryffindor. But, alas, by the end of their travels, Valour found themself in a compartment alone, curiously tinkering with basic charms and levitating sweets into their own mouth. They could only hope they’d find more interesting company at the latter opening ceremony.

The whole ordeal of the Sorting Ceremony was something that fascinated their imagination from a young age. How perfectly convenient: a hat that could read your mind and deliver a wonderfully succinct survey of your inner-most thoughts, beliefs and character. It seemed like a dream come true - to have someone understand and make sense of all the nonsense running amok in Valour’s head. They had always struggled with the concept of having a transfixed identity, or a sense of self to live by. The only commitment they stuck to was whichever way the breeze blew. Call them a hedonist, sure, but Valour was driven by the ficklest of beliefs; enjoyment, curiosity and superiority. Anything interesting enough to enrapture their free-wheeling brain for more than a moment, and anything that might guarantee them recognition. It seemed only natural to them that they would end up in Ravenclaw, like both of their parents, and most of their family before that. Exploration had always been a point of pride for the Argentums.

The steam train pulled into the station with a resounding shriek that echoed throughout each carriage. Students clamoured to their feet with thinly veiled excitement, yanking trunks from the overhead storage and pushing to dismount first. Valour observed with amusement, enjoying the atmosphere like breathing in steam from a boiling kettle. They hopped onto the platform without a care in the world besides the prospects before them; a chance to interrogate a bonafide mind-reader. The rest of the journey, floating boats and all, hardly registered to her until they reached the grand entrance of the Hogwarts.

Waiting before the large oak doors of the Great Hall while the rest of the school murmured within - it was an exhilarating feeling. One which many say they remember for the rest of their lives. Tiny eleven-year-olds in black robes far too big for them, whispering excitedly to their new acquaintances as the Vice Head surveyed the group. There were some obviously pureblooded children, boasting in hushed tones of their families’ propensity for producing famous wizards and witches, confidently predicting what house they’d be sorted into. Valour could only imagine they were probably right but revelled in the idea of their faces being sorted into a house out of left field. Riddled amongst the group, there were a few timid muggleborns, hopelessly trying to understand that they were leaving behind life as they knew it as other students explained what each house stood for. Bravery, Intelligence, Loyalty and Ambition. All equally honourable titles, massively influencing the trajectory of your time at Hogwarts.

It wasn’t long before they were filing into the hall in a nervous stream, hundreds of eyes now fixated on them. Older students gossiped excitedly, while some waved to younger family members and offered encouragement. The professors sat at the high table, looking down at them like regal chess pieces. A strange, wily looking old man in a suit of armour welcomed them in before staking his place by the lectern. Solomon Lear - a man of legend. Valour found themself intrigued by his unique sense of dress, his politely detached nature and his faint limp. They made a mental note that the wizard clearly had some skeletons in his closet. The ceremony commenced as they had been told by their parents, with the Sorting Hat and Lear’s rehearsed routine and poem. The room clung to every word, though the first years each seemed lost in their own heads, wondering how the evening would go.

It was just as Lear unravelled a horrifically long scroll of names that one individual caught Valour’s eye. Honeyed-brown hair and slate-grey eyes. It took great effort not to audibly groan. Their suspicions were confirmed as the girl turned to whisper to a boy standing beside her. Cosima Aurebach-Iori - pureblood, friend of the family and a thorn in Valour’s side since childhood. The witch caught Valour’s eye, and a wicked grin immediately grew on her face with a subtle eye-roll. The two had always shared the unique ability to have an entire conversation without saying a word.

‘What the hell are you doing here?’ Cosima’s eyes seemed to say.

Valour shot back a glare and a tight-lipped smirk, ‘I’m surprised you’re here too.’ They were amazed that Cosi knew how to read, let alone knew what a school is.

To be fair to her, Valour and Cosi gravitated towards each other at a young age, despising their families’ chosen company and other children their age. The girl might be vapid, but she had a devilish sense of humour and a knack for keeping things lively. Not that Valour would ever try to be fair to her; as much as they had a sense of comradery, the two equally gave each other hell. Cosima was less like a twin and more of a parasite developed in utero. They would never admit it, but it was good to see a familiar face - and someone who knew how to have fun no less.

As the crowd shifted into a vaguely alphabetised queue, the two witches were sidled together at the very front, throwing elbows at one another and shooting each other looks. Lear bellowed names as meek first-years approached the stool and donned the fabled Sorting Hat. Each child wore the same expression of bewilderment as the hat peered into their minds and announced their home for the coming years. Gradually, the students became more and more confident stepping up to the stage, seeing others run to join their tables and being welcomed with open arms. Eventually, the moment arrived.

“Argentum, Valour.” Cosi kicked the back of Valour’s shoe, earning her a mean glare as they made their way towards the stool. It was beyond strange, sitting at the front of the hall with a sea of students staring straight back at you. She should even feel the eyes of her future professors on her neck as the hat was slowly lowered onto her head. Valour’s mind was suddenly echoing.

“What do we have here? Hm… A very sharp mind indeed, yes… and a thirst, oh yes, a palpable thirst for more… You’d make a fine Ravenclaw, yes that seems like the easy route…” Valour cracked a small grin and shuddered, oddly enjoying the feeling of having her brain sifted through like a book. “There’s more, though. So much more… Great guts, yes, yes, yes… And that thirst… Is it really for genius or… for greatness? To prove oneself… Oh, I see… You’re a witch who will do whatever it takes. Willing to get your hands dirty… Better put you in…”

“Slytherin!” Valour’s lips parted slightly in surprise. The lapels of their cloak shifted naturally into a forest green, while the Slytherin table roared at their new initiate. They rose to their feet, mulling over the Sorting Hat’s final words to her as they shot Cosi another look and sat with their new house.

Although the hat’s decision had not been quite as they expected, Valour quickly found themself right at home amongst serpents. They took eagerly to conversation with their new colleagues, shaking hands and grinning as they could finally relax for the rest of the evening. The table was alive with running commentary of the Sorting, students guessing where each child would end up, and dropping snide remarks here and there. Valour was lapping it up.

Only a few names later, Cosima took her place on the stool, her expression unreadable as the hat took its time interrogating her inner thoughts. It took an awfully long pause. Students murmured and exchanged curious glances as the hat dwelled. Valour could only privately giggle and whisper to a student beside her, “There’s not that much up there, bless.” Suddenly, the Sorting Hat paused, nodded to itself and roared.

“Ravenclaw!” Valour had to slap their hand over their mouth to hold back a laugh of pure disbelief. Their jaw fell slack as their cousin’s robes shimmered into a navy blue and Cosi sidled over to the Ravenclaw table. ‘Cosima’ and ‘Ravenclaw’ in the same sentence felt oxymoronic. They caught each other’s eyes, both looking slightly quizzical. What a ludicrous turn of events.

The ceremony plodded on, with Slytherin students placing bets on each new kid to step up to the hat. The evening, though long, was a riot. Their older counterparts booed raucously at every child sorted into Gryffindor, while each new Slytherin was inducted with toasts. There was note-passing, food-sharing and whispers all around; Valour could only feel reassured that the hat had put them in the right place. She felt an immediate sense of kinship and belonging, and it seemed the rest of the table felt the same.

Throughout the night, they spied Cosi, growing more and more accustomed to their Ravenclaw classmates, naturally taking to conversation as she always did. Two met eyes across the tables and Valour gestured simply with their hands.

‘1am. Meeting.’